Britain’s Favourite Artwork

There’s a maxim among creators of any kind of art: You must always remember there are three points to the triangle – the artist, the artwork and the public. London’s Other Art Fair (not to be confused with Frieze or The Affordable Art Fair) commissioned a survey among a thousand British artists to see who was the most popular. More specifically, they wanted to know which artist and piece of art best expressed the national identity.

The results are surprising. Waterhouse, Constable, Turner, Freud, Gilbert & George, Bacon – God forbid we go back to Hogarth – were all kept off the top of the list by Banksy, the graffiti artist councils love to paint over, but who strikes a chord with artists and public alike. It’s clearly a question of communicating clearly.

The number one artwork chosen as that which most expresses the British identity was the Kissing Coppers. Banksy was once quoted as saying; ‘People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish…but only if it’s done properly’. The artist’s work, originally sprayed on the side of a Brighton pub, was eventually sold off and shipped to America.

9 comments on “Britain’s Favourite Artwork”

There can be several reasons for Banksy’s popularity, one is the accessibility of his works.
You do not need to go to museums, galleries, read art magazines to get to know his works.
It’s part of everyday life, it’s available for everyone, regardless income, education, etc.

May I “in-rude” on your question to Admin? I’ve only read a few of Haggard’s books – all very good – but it seems Miss Borrodaile might be in the The Powderhouse. It’s been long through and you don’t see may of his books for sale in the States.

Hilariously, in “Forgotton Authors No. 32: William Haggard” (The Independent, May 10, 2009), our very own highly-entertaining but apparently absent-minded author appears to mention Ms. Borrodaile mingled amongst discussion re either The Unquiet Sleep or The Power House (it’s not actually clear–but there she is). Google it!

Many thanks for these suggestions. Have now ordered both Power House and Unquiet Sleep, plus a couple more. Will report back as to where Miss Borrodaile. Meant to add on other post – that’s a stunning photograph of Cordoba Mosque.